Afghanistan coach wants more BCCI support

Kabir Khan, the Afghanistan coach, has called for the BCCI to provide more support to Afghanistan cricket, highlighting England's support for their neighbouring Associate nations.

"If you look at England they go out of their way to support the associate cricket nations in their region, which include Holland, Ireland and Scotland," Kabir told PTI. "They allow their players to play in their county and league system, while giving them valuable assistance through various coaching programmes.

"In comparison, South Asia has four Test-playing nations - Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - [yet despite this] we don't get the same kind of support, except for Pakistan. India has the influence and money to do a lot for Afghanistan cricket if they wanted. But so far we are still waiting.

"There's a lot of passion for cricket in Afghanistan, and there are good players, but we suffer mainly because we don't have a domestic cricket structure. We don't get enough matches in this region."

The Afghanistan team is currently in Lahore for a month-long conditional camp which also includes a series of matches against Pakistan A and several regional sides. The team trained at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, where they were granted access to all facilities and coaches at hand.

Afghanistan will play Scotland next month to play in the ICC league series for a four-day match, two ODIs and a T20 in preparation of next year's World T20. Khan has already set his sights on the 2015 World Cup, which is to be jointly-held by Australia and New Zealand.

"Right now we are focusing on improving our fitness and fielding skills," Kabir said. "We want to play in the next ODI World Cup and make our presence felt."

Bcci is scared that their team might lose from afghanistan. Bangladesh is beating india everytime they play nd bcci dnt want to give afghanistan a chance. Afghanistan were almost there in last t20 wc match.

Shrikant
on February 13, 2013, 4:10 GMT

I totally agree with Kabir Khan. As a die-hard cricket fan, I want to see more competition and Afghanistan has shown that they are much better than most of the associate teams. Hence they should get chance to play good teams and BCCI should support them.

Dummy4
on February 12, 2013, 18:55 GMT

i hope we able to get chance to play big teams,like india ,pakistan ,england,sauthafrica,to able to improove our game ,our 4 players are playing in BPL and they rae really impressive,each of them doing really well,they are tough against every intenational players,we are proud of our team nad boys

John
on February 12, 2013, 11:47 GMT

A very valid request indeed. BCCI can try to balance some of their arbitrary and high handed acts by doing some charity to a deserving bunch of players. Instead of giving SL so many chances, Afghanistan requires some support.

Rakesh
on February 12, 2013, 11:29 GMT

@ KarachiKid - India is helping people like Akram, Mustaq et all to earn a good living. Akram almost lives in India.

Manesh
on February 12, 2013, 9:58 GMT

Happy to see that everybody looking at the big brother - India- for help. Pakistan want series with India, BD looking for the same as well as they are enjoying Test status because of India, SL got lot of games. Now its the turn of Afg. I knew that lot of their batsmen got training in Pune. I think they will get more matches from as well.

Owais
on February 12, 2013, 7:33 GMT

I think implicit in his statement is praise for the support Pakistan has provided to them. All their players are playing in Pakistan domestic cricket. Like many friends already highlighted, Pakistan's role in developing cricket and supporting upcoming cricketing nations is commendable, whether rest of the world admit it or not. Or in case of Bangladesh, whether they acknowledge it or not. Anyway hats off to my country !!!!

Farrukh
on February 12, 2013, 5:57 GMT

Pakistan always help other cricket nation........they always very supportive with SL, IND,BD , AFG,ZIM and SCLand so Pakistan is one of those country who always come in front to support cricket and cricketing nation.... but now wat happened with Pakistan who supported others .....now no one supporting by others when Pakistan needs world cricket to support them to return cricket back in Pakistan.......

Amjad
on February 12, 2013, 5:44 GMT

Some Bangla fans here claiming they have helped Afghanistan by allowing their players in BPL. T20 doesn't help if you ask me. It has helped these 4 players financially but thats about it. Help would be to allow the Afghan national team compete in the domestic first class events. That'll help them progress better to ODI's and then slowly move on to test cricket. T20 leagues like BPL or IPL for that matter doesn't develop a players technique, be it bowling or batting. BD dosn't have first class structure to begin with, BD should get a first class structure for their own players first and then talk about helping others. Their test ranking and achievements over the past 13 years is out there for all to see. But that deosn't mean BD can't help Afghanistan, they can invite them for a five match ODI and 3 T20 series. But since there is no money in this endevour, that wont happen im afraid.

yuvraj
on February 12, 2013, 1:44 GMT

If BCCI helps afghanistan, They will become flat track bullies like the indian team.

Naveed
on February 13, 2013, 21:40 GMT

Bcci is scared that their team might lose from afghanistan. Bangladesh is beating india everytime they play nd bcci dnt want to give afghanistan a chance. Afghanistan were almost there in last t20 wc match.

Shrikant
on February 13, 2013, 4:10 GMT

I totally agree with Kabir Khan. As a die-hard cricket fan, I want to see more competition and Afghanistan has shown that they are much better than most of the associate teams. Hence they should get chance to play good teams and BCCI should support them.

Dummy4
on February 12, 2013, 18:55 GMT

i hope we able to get chance to play big teams,like india ,pakistan ,england,sauthafrica,to able to improove our game ,our 4 players are playing in BPL and they rae really impressive,each of them doing really well,they are tough against every intenational players,we are proud of our team nad boys

John
on February 12, 2013, 11:47 GMT

A very valid request indeed. BCCI can try to balance some of their arbitrary and high handed acts by doing some charity to a deserving bunch of players. Instead of giving SL so many chances, Afghanistan requires some support.

Rakesh
on February 12, 2013, 11:29 GMT

@ KarachiKid - India is helping people like Akram, Mustaq et all to earn a good living. Akram almost lives in India.

Manesh
on February 12, 2013, 9:58 GMT

Happy to see that everybody looking at the big brother - India- for help. Pakistan want series with India, BD looking for the same as well as they are enjoying Test status because of India, SL got lot of games. Now its the turn of Afg. I knew that lot of their batsmen got training in Pune. I think they will get more matches from as well.

Owais
on February 12, 2013, 7:33 GMT

I think implicit in his statement is praise for the support Pakistan has provided to them. All their players are playing in Pakistan domestic cricket. Like many friends already highlighted, Pakistan's role in developing cricket and supporting upcoming cricketing nations is commendable, whether rest of the world admit it or not. Or in case of Bangladesh, whether they acknowledge it or not. Anyway hats off to my country !!!!

Farrukh
on February 12, 2013, 5:57 GMT

Pakistan always help other cricket nation........they always very supportive with SL, IND,BD , AFG,ZIM and SCLand so Pakistan is one of those country who always come in front to support cricket and cricketing nation.... but now wat happened with Pakistan who supported others .....now no one supporting by others when Pakistan needs world cricket to support them to return cricket back in Pakistan.......

Amjad
on February 12, 2013, 5:44 GMT

Some Bangla fans here claiming they have helped Afghanistan by allowing their players in BPL. T20 doesn't help if you ask me. It has helped these 4 players financially but thats about it. Help would be to allow the Afghan national team compete in the domestic first class events. That'll help them progress better to ODI's and then slowly move on to test cricket. T20 leagues like BPL or IPL for that matter doesn't develop a players technique, be it bowling or batting. BD dosn't have first class structure to begin with, BD should get a first class structure for their own players first and then talk about helping others. Their test ranking and achievements over the past 13 years is out there for all to see. But that deosn't mean BD can't help Afghanistan, they can invite them for a five match ODI and 3 T20 series. But since there is no money in this endevour, that wont happen im afraid.

yuvraj
on February 12, 2013, 1:44 GMT

If BCCI helps afghanistan, They will become flat track bullies like the indian team.

Abdul
on February 11, 2013, 23:57 GMT

Afghanistan should seek help from BCB. As there are lot of players playing in BPL, Afghan players are pretty popular here. So it shouldn't be tough for BCB to arrange a home series against Afghanistan.

Aaquib
on February 11, 2013, 22:31 GMT

Bangladesh already Started Helping Afghans..4 Afghans are playing in BPL 2013..Afghans are always welcome in Bangladesh

Paras
on February 11, 2013, 21:18 GMT

Shakib Al-Hasan and all other Bangladesh stars of present have played most of their junior level Cricket at Eden Garden, we Indians have gone "out of our way" in supporting Bangla Cricket whether it was playing with them their first bilateral Test series or supporting their Test status in ICC vote!

satish
on February 11, 2013, 20:06 GMT

It's always good for the game of cricket to encourage the teams with these sort of raw talent ..the Afganisthanis have openly requested, the maximum that they could have done in this case. Now the ball is in BCCI's court, their turn now !!

Dummy4
on February 11, 2013, 19:57 GMT

Why not? Something for BCCI to ponder over - let Afghanistan field one (or two) teams in the Ranji trophy. I hope Kabir Khan is not suggesting that India send teams to Afghanistan coz that aint happening.

Dummy4
on February 11, 2013, 18:33 GMT

Well said Kabir Khan ! It's true India has not supported Afghanistan yet .Even Australia gave chance to Afghanistan to play one off ODI against them and Afghanistan put up a great fight against them .India should allow Afghan players to play in Ranji trophy tournament and play atleast two ODIs against Afghanistan before Champions Trophy ,as England and Pakistan are going to play Ireland and Scotland respectively , in order to prepare for Champions trophy .Nevertheless Afghanistan kept India on the back-foot during T20 World Cup 2012 .

Dummy4
on February 11, 2013, 18:23 GMT

Pakistan always support - they supported Bangladesh in the past , gave them test status , also nominal Mustafa Kamal for ICC role. Now Pakistan is supporting Afghanistan, welcoming them to play. Rashid Latif has also coached Afghanistan team which is excellent. This shows how supportive Pakistan is in terms of developing cricketing relations. Unfortunately this is not seen with either India or BD. SL & Pakistan are always been good friends and I hope PCB continue support all nations.

MAHESH
on February 11, 2013, 16:44 GMT

BCCI should help afghanistan by allowing them to play with india A team.

No featured comments at the moment.

MAHESH
on February 11, 2013, 16:44 GMT

BCCI should help afghanistan by allowing them to play with india A team.

Dummy4
on February 11, 2013, 18:23 GMT

Pakistan always support - they supported Bangladesh in the past , gave them test status , also nominal Mustafa Kamal for ICC role. Now Pakistan is supporting Afghanistan, welcoming them to play. Rashid Latif has also coached Afghanistan team which is excellent. This shows how supportive Pakistan is in terms of developing cricketing relations. Unfortunately this is not seen with either India or BD. SL & Pakistan are always been good friends and I hope PCB continue support all nations.

Dummy4
on February 11, 2013, 18:33 GMT

Well said Kabir Khan ! It's true India has not supported Afghanistan yet .Even Australia gave chance to Afghanistan to play one off ODI against them and Afghanistan put up a great fight against them .India should allow Afghan players to play in Ranji trophy tournament and play atleast two ODIs against Afghanistan before Champions Trophy ,as England and Pakistan are going to play Ireland and Scotland respectively , in order to prepare for Champions trophy .Nevertheless Afghanistan kept India on the back-foot during T20 World Cup 2012 .

Dummy4
on February 11, 2013, 19:57 GMT

Why not? Something for BCCI to ponder over - let Afghanistan field one (or two) teams in the Ranji trophy. I hope Kabir Khan is not suggesting that India send teams to Afghanistan coz that aint happening.

satish
on February 11, 2013, 20:06 GMT

It's always good for the game of cricket to encourage the teams with these sort of raw talent ..the Afganisthanis have openly requested, the maximum that they could have done in this case. Now the ball is in BCCI's court, their turn now !!

Paras
on February 11, 2013, 21:18 GMT

Shakib Al-Hasan and all other Bangladesh stars of present have played most of their junior level Cricket at Eden Garden, we Indians have gone "out of our way" in supporting Bangla Cricket whether it was playing with them their first bilateral Test series or supporting their Test status in ICC vote!

Aaquib
on February 11, 2013, 22:31 GMT

Bangladesh already Started Helping Afghans..4 Afghans are playing in BPL 2013..Afghans are always welcome in Bangladesh

Abdul
on February 11, 2013, 23:57 GMT

Afghanistan should seek help from BCB. As there are lot of players playing in BPL, Afghan players are pretty popular here. So it shouldn't be tough for BCB to arrange a home series against Afghanistan.

yuvraj
on February 12, 2013, 1:44 GMT

If BCCI helps afghanistan, They will become flat track bullies like the indian team.

Amjad
on February 12, 2013, 5:44 GMT

Some Bangla fans here claiming they have helped Afghanistan by allowing their players in BPL. T20 doesn't help if you ask me. It has helped these 4 players financially but thats about it. Help would be to allow the Afghan national team compete in the domestic first class events. That'll help them progress better to ODI's and then slowly move on to test cricket. T20 leagues like BPL or IPL for that matter doesn't develop a players technique, be it bowling or batting. BD dosn't have first class structure to begin with, BD should get a first class structure for their own players first and then talk about helping others. Their test ranking and achievements over the past 13 years is out there for all to see. But that deosn't mean BD can't help Afghanistan, they can invite them for a five match ODI and 3 T20 series. But since there is no money in this endevour, that wont happen im afraid.

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